I know it's bad for me, but I can't help but love the power of incredibly loud music. I know I'll probably end up regretting it years from now. And like others, it's only when I'm sauced up that the volume gets that high. lol

Mark: I have 4 Radio Shack Mach Ones in very good condition sitting in my basement with a Mos Fet LX1 series power amplifier(push/pull dc amp)

On hearing damage, the Etymotic paper linked above has some good info, such as the discussion of the work of Kujawa and Liberman, indicating that even so-called "temporary" loss may have long-term consequences. However, it discusses only the OSHA standards for work place noise, which should not be applied for home listening. Although it recognizes that the OSHA standard allows for some long-term loss, more stringent standards which all but eliminate this possibility aren't described.

In discussing power requirements I typically emphasize safe hearing levels and am not amused by those who want to be able to "crank it". An article here discussing safer standards has been cited before and emphasizes the inappropriateness of applying a work place standard which allows for some hearing loss to "community" venues such as listening at home. Table 1. there compares the standards, showing the much more stringent ones of the EPA and World Health Organization intended to prevent any significant chance of damage.

Well you are entitled to your opinion. I don't think any organization, governing body, or person should be able to have any say in how I listen to my music though. It's what "does" it for me and I HIGHLY enjoy it.

Do I take chances with my hearing? Definitely. Have I experienced some hearing loss already? Probably. Is it worth it? In my own personal opinion...definitely.

Well you are entitled to your opinion. I don't think any organization, governing body, or person should be able to have any say in how I listen to my music though. It's what "does" it for me and I HIGHLY enjoy it.

Do I take chances with my hearing? Definitely. Have I experienced some hearing loss already? Probably. Is it worth it? In my own personal opinion...definitely.

Imagine if you, can having your wife nagging to you in your ear 24 hours a day , 7 days a week for the rest of your life. Tinnitus is 10 times worse, so yeah they are your ear but err on the side of common sense.